Sale of the Certification & Testing business

Certification & Testing is a cornerstone of modern economic systems. Tests, inspections and certifications foster trust, safety and international comparability. intelligentis builds on this and supports entrepreneurs in the TIC sector in optimally positioning their businesses for sale or succession, drawing on sector-specific expertise, a structured approach and a high degree of discretion.

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Your industry expert in the sale of testing and certification companies

Matthias Ehnert · Managing Director of intelligentis

Matthias Ehnert is a managing partner at intelligentis and a proven expert in business sales within regulated and quality-critical service sectors such as Certification & Testing.

His economic and regulatory understanding of the sector, combined with a national and international network of strategic buyers and investors, forms the basis for viable transaction solutions. Entrepreneurs benefit from clear process management, realistic market assessments and discreet support throughout all phases of the sale.

Market situation
Services
Achievements

Current market situation and specific features of the TIC sector

The Certification & Testing sector is benefiting from growing awareness of safety and quality in business and society. Globalisation, new regulatory requirements, sustainability demands and technological innovations ensure a consistently high level of demand for testing, inspection and certification services.

Conformity assessment bodies (CABs) facilitate legally compliant market access for products and services and are accredited in accordance with European and international standards. In Germany, they are supervised by the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS).

However, skills shortages, rising demands and the increasing complexity of the standards landscape are intensifying competitive pressure on small and medium-sized CABs. As a result, consolidation is continuing to advance, as larger companies and investors are specifically acquiring specialised providers with strong digital capabilities.

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Services relating to the sale of certification and testing companies

The sale of businesses in the Certification & Testing sector requires a particularly high degree of discretion, structure and regulatory understanding. Conformity assessment bodies and TIC service providers, in particular, operate in sensitive market environments where confidentiality and process reliability are crucial.

The sale process is therefore professionally managed by intelligentis and supported with a clearly structured approach, from preparation and positioning right through to the targeted approach of suitable buyers. Particular attention is paid to accreditations, standards expertise, staff structure and the long-term economic viability of the business model.

Remuneration is entirely performance-based and is strictly linked to the successful completion of the transaction.

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Successful business sales in the TIC sector

intelligentis regularly advises on business sales and investment transactions in regulated service sectors, including testing, inspection and certification firms with a range of accreditation profiles.

Transaction experience shows that specialised providers in particular – with clear expertise in standards, a stable client base and an efficient organisation – are attractive to strategic buyers. This business acumen, combined with an understanding of regulatory requirements, is specifically incorporated into the positioning and negotiation process.

The combination of transaction experience, industry insight and personalised support provides entrepreneurs with a reliable basis for decision-making in a challenging and highly regulated market environment. This is complemented by our own publications, ‘Industry News’, covering the latest news and developments in the TIC sector.

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Industry newsletter on the certification and testing sector 2021

intelligentis presents key developments in the Certification & Testing sector in its own industry-specific format, making market movements, regulatory changes and transaction trends clear to business owners.

The Certification & Testing industry newsletter for August 2021 addresses current topics relating to testing laboratories, accreditation and consolidation, and analyses them from an M&A perspective.

The newsletter is available here: Certification & Testing Industry Newsletter, August 2021.

Frequently asked questions about selling a business in the Certification & Testing sector

The sale of a certification and testing company often raises questions regarding preparation, valuation and regulatory requirements. The role of accreditations and standards, in particular, leaves many business owners in need of further clarification.

In a personalised and confidential consultation, we address these questions on a case-by-case basis and outline specific courses of action. Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions from real-world scenarios

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What does the sales preparation process involve for a certification and testing company?

Preparations for the sale include an analysis of the service portfolio, accreditations, staff structure and key financial indicators. intelligentis reviews compliance with standards, structure and organisation, and ensures that accreditation documentation is complete.

How does the sales process work at testing, inspection and certification bodies?

The sales process is conducted in a structured and discreet manner so as not to disrupt ongoing testing, inspection and certification processes. intelligentis centrally manages the initial approach, testing and negotiations. Regulatory and accreditation-related issues are handled with the utmost care.

What happens after I sell my certification and testing company?

Following the successful corporate transaction, intelligentis is overseeing the handover phase and the departure of the previous owner. In doing so, transitional arrangements are being structured and carefully implemented.

When is a good time to sell a TIC business?

The right time to sell depends on your personal objectives, a stable profit situation and current market demand. intelligentis helps you to realistically assess and strategically choose the right time to sell your business.

How is the enterprise value of a certification and testing company determined?

The valuation is based on profitability, the scope of accreditation, staff qualifications and market position. Scalability and regulatory stability are also taken into account. intelligentis uses these factors to derive a market-oriented and realistic valuation that takes the specific characteristics of the sector into due account.

Company sale in the certification and testing sector